EUROPEAN PLASTICS NEWS
Published: November 21, 2013 12:14 pm ET
Updated: November 21, 2013 12:31 pm ET
NANTERRE, FRANCE — Faurecia, the France-based automotive equipment supplier and Magneti Marelli, the Italy-based automotive component maker have signed a cooperation agreement for advanced automotive human-machine interface (HMI) applications using plastic electronics.
The companies intend to expand their business portfolios in interior systems, adding HMI components to a broad product range including centre stacks, fascias, overhead consoles and retractable touch screens. They also plan to offer physical integration of "nomadic" devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The partnership brings together Faurecia's expertise in interior systems module architecture with Magneti Marelli's experience in displays, electronics, switches and tactile functions.
"This is an important step in the evolution of our interior systems offer to meet the needs of automakers for increased connectivity and the intelligent use of interior architecture," said Yann Delabrière, Chairman and CEO of Faurecia.
"This agreement leads to a new era of human-machine interface integrated solutions, where the user experience of receiving, managing and sharing information inside the car, is moving to a unique, interactive and extended interface, where the merger between plastics and electronics is crucial", said Eugenio Razelli, CEO of Magneti Marelli.
In the future the cooperation will open the door for HMI applications with superior plastronics — mounting electronic components directly onto plastic components — look and feel, fusion of control technologies, enhanced digitization and customization. | 
